Guus Hiddink is ready to STAY as Chelsea manager ... if his players prove they have the bottle to win trophies.

People Sport can reveal the Dutchman who has turned things round at Stamford Bridge is thinking about a U-turn of his own.

In public, Hiddink has revealed that Chelsea want to retain his services beyond this season - possibly in a consultancy role.

In private, however, he has told some of his closest friends in the game he is warming to the Chelsea job - but will not decide his future until he sees how his players perform as the season reaches its climax.

Hiddink has had several heart-to-hearts with mates in the past few weeks as he becomes immersed in the Chelsea job.

And one source told People Sport: "Guus is starting to think he could stay next season, but it really is down to whether these players are up to it.

"Everything has gone well so far, but he has been warned there are some in the dressing room who will 'bottle' it or cause trouble when things go wrong.

"Guus wants to know if these guys are with him or against him.

"The way they react under pressure in the coming weeks will determine if he carries on and tries to do a deal to be the full-time manager.

"Hiddink will not hang around if he finds that this lot of players do not have the right stuff.

"He knows there is money to spend on new signings but he wants to see if the 'feel' of the squad is right."

He has told friends he thinks things have gone TOO smoothly - and may start picking fights with one or two of the players with reputations for being let-downs when the big action comes round.

Our source said: "Everyone has been great with him so far but he knows there are some who have got bad names.

"He might play some mind games with them and have a bit of fun.

"You can look out for a star or two being dropped shortly just to see their reaction. Guus will use these big games, including the Liverpool Champions League matches, to test the ones he is not 100 per cent sure about.

"But there is no doubt that Guus likes the Chelsea job.

"However, he won't give up the Russia post unless he is convinced he is onto something and can have a real go for the league and Europe next time round.

"He is a very good judge of character and will know whether this group of players are ready both mentally and in terms of ability. He will not join Chelsea just for the money and to be secondbest."

Hiddink is happy to take his time and Abramovich will also be content to let his stop-gap appointment sift through his options as he is still his No.1 long-term choice.

The Dutchman was back with Russia for yesterday's World Cup qualifier with Azerbaijan and Wednesday's clash with Lichtenstein.

And he could yet do both jobs next season if he likes what he sees in the next few games.

Abramovich has been carrying out a behind-the-scenes review, as People Sport revealed two weeks ago, with Frank Arnesen going to be the director of football.

Hiddink and Arnesen can work together and plans to move for Frank Rijkaard would take a back seat if the caretaker said he wanted to stay in charge.

The Hiddink source said: "Guus has no problem being a coach under a director of football - he has worked that way before.

"And if Chelsea want to spend money that is fine by him. He could have his say but he is not the type to demand star players.

"He is quite happy with the opposite."

So it is up to the Chelsea players to prove to Hiddink that they can be a force this season and beyond.

It's not just the prizes that are at stake now - it's the future of the manager.

GREAT SCOTT - WE BLUE 'EM ALL AWAY

Our man Scott Piecha led the way with two top Chelsea exclusives. On March 8 he told you Guus Hiddink hopes to stay as boss and sign Rafa Van der Vaart. Last week he revealed Didier Drogba's contract offer.